LIFE saving equipment has been installed at a Colchester nursery school as part of a safety initiative being run by a childcare provider.

Banana Moon Day Nursery, in Oyster Court, Colchester, had a defibrillator set up earlier this month.

It means anyone who is suffering from a cardiac arrest can receive emergency treatment on-site before paramedics arrive to administer professional treatment.

Gary Chamberlain, co-owner of Colchester’s Banana Moon Day Nursery, said the defibrillator will also benefit the community more widely.

He said: “Of course, it not only supports our children and staff, but the local area, too – we’re proud to have been part of the Colchester community since 2016.

“Although we hope our defibrillator will never have to be used, we hope it gives reassurance to parents and the people who live, shop and work nearby.”

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), there are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests every year in the UK, with 270 occurring in UK schools.

Banana Moon Day Nursery’s Allan O’Brien added: “We hope that this investment in this lifesaving equipment will further demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding the little ones in our care, as well as serving the wider community.”